EU Not Yet Formally Discussing Extension of Sanctions Against Russia

The European Union may extend its anti-Russia sanctions for another six months, but this issue will be discussed next Monday. according to unnamed European lawmaker.

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) — The European Union has not yet begun to formally discuss the extension of economic sanctions against Russia but the issue will be considered in December, a European lawmaker told RIA Novosti Monday.

"There could be some statements from officials, but there is nothing concrete [as yet], I haven't noticed any measures taken on the matter," the source said.

Earlier, the German newspaper Handelsblatt reported, citing EU sources, that the bloc may extend its anti-Russia sanctions for another six months.

According to the source, policy toward the eastern partners will be on the agenda of the meeting of EU foreign ministers next Monday.

The source also noted that the EU heads of state and government are usually involved in any decisions on the sanctions against Russia.

Russia's relations with the West deteriorated in 2014 over the Ukrainian crisis, when the United States, as well as the European Union and their allies imposed several rounds of sanctions against Russia, accusing it of meddling in Ukrainian internal affairs. Moscow has repeatedly denied the allegations.

The European Union's current sanction regime has been previously extended until January 31, 2016.